JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The purpose of preoperative informed consent is to provide patients with comprehensive information about their treatment, including risks and alternatives, to enable informed decision-making. However, studies have shown that patients are often unable to understand or remember important information. Mobile health (mHealth) and augmented reality (AR) applications have been identified as promising solutions to improve patient education and knowledge retention.

Objective:

This study aims to determine the essential requirements for an mHealth application that effectively supports the education of colorectal cancer patients, specifically acceptance by patients and physician as well as appropriate visualization.

Methods:

A qualitative focus group study was conducted with groups of mostly colorectal cancer patients and a physician’s group. Topics related to patient education were discussed, as well as various visualizations in 2D, 3D, and AR. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Four focus groups were conducted with patients (n=23) and one with physicians (n=7), totaling N=30 participants. Relevant informational content for the app and its presentation were identified. Colorectal cancer patients want personalized, detailed, and visual information about their condition and treatment that is tailored their specific case. Patients preferred detailed, interactive 3D models, while physicians preferred simple 2D images. AR visualizations were seen as a potential tool to provide a general overview but more of as a novelty feature.

Conclusions:

An ideal patient education app combines comprehensive content with interactive, customizable visualizations like 3D models and AR, and should be accessible throughout their treatment journey.